Controlling Africanized Honey

Bees

Philip G. KoehlerDept. of Entomology & Nematology

University of FloridaModified by Anita S. Neal & Ed Skvarch

St. Lucie County Extension

Domestic Honeybees (EHB)

Apis Races 24 races of Apis mellifera. Different physical and behavioral

characteristics - body color, wing length, susceptibility to disease.

Races can mate with each other.

The Honeybee Colony

Colony may contain 40,000 to 60,000 or more bees during the late spring or early summer.

Nest

First bred to create a honeybee better suited for tropical conditions.

1957 - 26 African queen bees were released or escaped from breeding in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

Africanized Honey Bee (AHB) History

Distribution of AHB in the U.S.

Deep Water Ports of Florida

Africanized Honeybee Finds in Florida

Percent of Finds

05

101520253035404550

2002 2003 2004 2005Year

3-4 times as many bees to respond to the threat.

10 times more stings per encounter than European Honeybees.

Defend wider area around nest than European Honeybees.

Can chase victims for ¼ mile.

AHB - Behavior/Defensive Response

AHB swarms more frequently than the EHB EHB colony swarms every 1-2 yrs AHB colony swarms 4-8 times/yr

AHB swarm is smaller than EHB swarm Some aren't much larger than a coffee cup. Swarming reduces the number of bees in a colony,

reduces work force diminished honey production

Continuous monitoring is required to detect small swarms and incipient colonies before establishment

Differences between AHB and EHBSwarming

Differences between AHB and EHB Aggressive Hive Defense and Stinging

AHB responds quicker and in larger numbers when colony is threatened.

AHB remains agitated longer than EHB Perturbing an AHB colony results in 6-10 times

more stings than EHB Nests are dangerous if not removed Improper removal is dangerous for neighbors

and bystanders

Differences between AHB and EHB Reproductive Capacity

AHBs have higher brood production and less honey storage than EHB

AHBs produce more bees in a shorter period than EHB

Dangerous numbers of AHB bees develop rapidly

Willie The Bee Man, Inc.

African Swarm Invading European Colony

AHB in Residential Areas

Bees on a BBQ grill Bees on old tire

http://www.state.ok.us/~okag/agri-ahb.htm

Aerial nest in tree

Insect IQ, Inc.

At-Risk Groups

People likely to interact with bees Outdoor workers Military Sports enthusiasts Rescue personnel

People incapable of handling an interaction Children Elderly Handicapped

Animals Tethered or restrained

animals Penned, caged, or corralled

Areas of Higher Risk for Bee Attack

Monitor or clear area before entry Schools Recreation and training

areas Lawnmowers, chain saws,

weedeaters Domestic animals Large motorized equipment Homes

Bee Proofing

Africanized honey bees nest in a wide variety of locations Need openings >1/8 inch Cavity behind the opening for a nest

Eliminate shelter Caulk cracks in walls, foundation, and roof Fill or screen holes >1/8-inch in trees, structures, or block walls Screen attic vents, irrigation boxes, and water meter box holes Remove trash or debris that might shelter honey bees Fill or cover animal burrows Tight fitting window screens Close shed doors tightly and keep in good repair

Hole leading to cavity

Swarm traps

Cone style trap is made from recycled wood pulp Lures used to attract bees in swarm traps or hive

Swarm trapSwarm lure

www.beeequipment.com

Swarm Traps

Entomologist Justin Schmidt examines an ARS honey bee trap used to lure Africanized bee swarms and prevent their establishment in walls of buildings. Captured swarms are easily removed or destroyed with soapy water.

Controlling This should be done only by a registered

Pest Control Operator with a General Household Pest Control License that is wearing protective gear.

Bees leave behind a stinger attached to a venom sac. Do not try to pull it out, as this may release more venom. Gently scrape it out with a blunt-edged object, such as a credit card or dull knife. Wash the area with soap and water. This should be done several times a day until the skin is healed.

What If You are Stung? - First Aid

First Aid

Apply a cold or ice pack, wrapped in cloth for a few minutes. Apply a paste of baking soda and water and leave it on for 15 to 20 minutes, or dab on a bit of household ammonia. Take acetaminophen for pain.

HealthDayNews - ScoutNews LLC

First Aid Seek emergency care if you have any

of these symptoms, because they indicate an allergic reaction:

Large areas of swelling Abnormal breathing Tightness in throat or chest Dizziness Hives Fainting Nausea or vomiting Persistent pain or swelling

Summary

Be Aware Cover Your Face Do Not Make Aggressive Movements Move Quickly to Safe Areas Contact a Bee Removal Service Prevent / Remove Potential Nesting Sites

Africanized Honey Bees

We Can Live With Them

Contact St. Lucie County Extension

772-462-1660http://stlucie.ifas.ufl.edu